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Deuteronomy 4:5-8

INTRODUCTION: Today is the last Sunday of the year, and I hope that you have had a great year. Now I know for some of you this has been a really tough year, and so I hope that next year will be a great year for you. Of course, God looks at greatness a little differently than we do. And so I thought it was appropriate as we enter the New Year to look at what the Bible says about true greatness. What is true greatness according to the Bible? (Read Deuteronomy 4:5-8 and pray.)

So what makes a person great? What makes a nation great? What makes a church great? I suppose different people define greatness in a variety of ways: some worth considering, some easily dismissed. The world tends to define greatness in terms of power, wealth, status or fame. And yet none of these things produce lasting greatness. Power is temporary and constantly shifting. Wealth is relative. Status is usually based on externals, and fame brings plenty of problems of its own.

Jesus defined greatness in terms of servanthood and humility. Jesus told his disciples: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44) He spoke these words right after he caught the disciples arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus even called a little child over and had him stand among them, saying: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)

Although we can struggle like the disciples with wanting to be the greatest, there is a different problem I want us to look at this morning. This morning I want to look at the problem of envying others who appear to be greater in the eyes of the world. It is an envy based on a false estimate of greatness. And it can only be counteracted by understanding true greatness as God reveals it in his word.

In our passage in Deuteronomy this morning, three times Israel is called “a great nation.” Each time this greatness is described in contrast to the other nations. In the first instance the other nations draw the contrast themselves. In the second and third instances Moses contrasts Israel with the other nations. All three times Israel is called “great” because she has something that the other nations do not.

There is an important truth tucked away for us here. As Christians it is wrong for us to envy those in the world around us who do not know Christ. That’s getting it all backwards. It should be the other way around. The world should envy us who do have Christ. Israel was great because she had something which the nations lacked. And as we look at the things which made Israel great, we can apply those same things to our own lives and to the life of the church.

Of course, this shouldn’t surprise us. Much of what was written to Israel applies to us because we, like Israel, are the people of God. To be sure, there are important differences between Old Testament Israel and the people of God today – but there is also continuity. And that continuity makes the application not only possible but essential.

So what is true greatness? We are going to look at three marks of true greatness this morning, all found in these verses in Deuteronomy. Now these are not the only qualities of greatness you will find in the Bible. But they are three important ones which deserve a closer look. And all three apply to the church and the individual Christian today.

I. A reputation for wisdom and understanding (5-6)

The first mark of greatness we find in our text is a reputation for wisdom and understanding. Look at verse 5 where Moses says: “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.” (Deuteronomy 4:5) Now Moses was speaking to the people of Israel as they were about to cross the Jordan and enter enemy territory. They would soon be surrounded by the nations of the world, and so Moses sought to impress upon the people their true greatness as a nation. And their greatness lay not in what they had in common with these nations, but rather in what set them apart.

He said, “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me.” The word “decrees” refers to rules and precepts to be obeyed. The word “laws” here is a word sometimes translated justice or judgments; it speaks of the just consequences God has built into his law. Notice that Moses highlights his personal relationship with God here. He does not just say, “God commanded me to teach you these things,” but rather “the LORD my God.” Notice also God’s purpose in commanding Moses to teach the Israelites his commands: “So that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it.” This was not just an intellectual exercise. These decrees and laws were meant to be followed, and specifically, they were meant to be followed in the land they were entering.

Now you have to understand two things about the land they were entering. First of all, this land was wicked and ungodly beyond anything you can imagine. It was full of idol worship, sexual immorality, pagan rituals and even child sacrifice. And then secondly, the land was to be conquered and subdued. Israel was to take possession of it, literally “to inherit the land.” This was God’s promise to them.

And so in the midst of the ungodly nations, Israel was told to take a stand. Just as Christians are to be in the world but not of the world, so Israel was to be in the land but not of the land. They were set apart by the teachings of God; they would take possession; they would inherit the land.

Now in verse 6 we get to the part about wisdom and understanding. Speaking of God’s laws, Moses says this: “Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” Moses says, Observe these teachings carefully, and they will demonstrate your wisdom and understanding to the nations, literally “before the eyes of the nations.” In other words Moses is saying to Israel, “You’re on display!”

The same is true of Christians and the church today. You are also on display! When the world looks at the church, what does it see? When the world looks at you, what does it see? As a Christian, you bear Christ’s name. The church of Jesus Christ represents Jesus to a watching world. When they look at us, what do they see?

This word of Scripture says that if you follow God’s teachings, they will see wisdom and understanding. This is the first mark of true greatness. True greatness consists in having a reputation for wisdom and understanding.

Notice three things about wisdom in this verse. First of all, observe what this wisdom is based upon – it is based upon God’s commands. This is not the wisdom of the world. This is true Biblical wisdom based on God’s revealing word to his people. Biblical wisdom is always rooted in a right relationship with God resulting in right choices leading to God’s blessing.

The word “understanding” in this verse doesn’t refer to compassion or empathy. It comes from a Hebrew word meaning “between” and has to do with discernment or deciding the best alternative “between” different options. If you have you ever had an important choice to make, two different roads spread out before you, then you know the importance of discernment, of understanding and knowing what’s truly important and making the right decision. Godly wisdom and discernment come from only one source – the word of God in our hearts, in our minds, and in our lives. So this is a wisdom based on God’s commands.

Secondly, notice how this wisdom and discernment is displayed – it is displayed by observing God’s commands. The world does not look at our doctrine so much as it looks at our lives. If your life reflects the truth of God’s word, then people will be more ready to hear about your faith. We find a good example of this in the New Testament book of Titus, where Paul writes to Titus: “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (Titus 2:9-10) In other words, we must display God’s wisdom by living it out. We should decorate the teachings of the Bible with a godly life.

And then thirdly, observe who takes note of this godly wisdom and discernment – it is the nations, the world around us. When you live the Christian life, people will notice, and they will admire it. They may never tell you so to your face; in fact, may do just the opposite. But they will notice it just the same. 1 Peter 2:12 says: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Moses said to Israel: The nations will see your lives and exclaim: “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”

A good reputation and wisdom are often tied together in the Bible. Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. When Joseph told Pharaoh: “Look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:33), Pharaoh responded: “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” (Genesis 41:39-40) Think about Solomon whose wisdom was so great that the Queen of Sheba paid him a visit and praised his God. (1 Kings 10:1-10) Think about Jesus who “grew in wisdom, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

So how are you doing in this area? How are we doing as a church? Do you have a reputation for wisdom and understanding among the people who know you well? That’s our first sign of true greatness this morning: a godly reputation for wisdom and understanding.

II. A God who is near you when you pray (7)

The next one is this: a God who is near you when you pray. Going back to Deuteronomy 4 look at verse 7: “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” (Deuteronomy 4:7) Wisdom and understanding from God’s word are wonderful enough, but what could be greater than this? The Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him. What a wonderful promise! What a glorious privilege!

Moses said to Israel, “What other nation is so great as to have this privilege?” The other nations worshiped idols and gods made of wood and stone. They worshiped gods who were far away, and even if the idol was near, it still couldn’t answer their prayers. It couldn’t even hear their prayers! But the true God of the universe is near to his people whenever we pray to him. Day or night, alone or in a crowd, in joy or in sorrow, God is always there. He will always listen to you. You will never get transferred to voice mail; there are no interruptions from call waiting; conference calls are also available! God is always available to you.

Psalm 145 says, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18) Psalm 46 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) James 4 says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

God not only hears and answers our prayers, but he is near to us when we pray. What a wonderful motivation for us to pray, not just to “get” something, but to draw close to God, to know his presence, to know his assurance, to know his peace. Paul made this same connection when he wrote to the Philippians: “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5-7) God is near to his people when they pray.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to set up the tabernacle in the center of the camp. Why? Because God desired to dwell in the very midst of his people. Now God’s dwelling is in men’s hearts by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17) Jesus also said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23)

What does the world have that can compare with this? What greater glory than to have the great God who created all things dwelling within you? Moses asked the question: “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” The answer is, “None whatsoever.” Nobody else has this privilege. This is a blessing that only God’s people know. It is a second sign of true greatness.

III. A body of laws to guide you in the right way (8)

And then finally, the third sign of true greatness is this: having a body of laws to guide you in the right way. Going back to Deuteronomy 4 look at verse 8: “And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” (Deuteronomy 4:8) This is also a sign of true greatness: to know the word of God, to be guided by his commands, to know the path of righteousness. To know the word of God is to know the mind of God, and that is an amazing privilege.

Once again, this is a blessing known only to God’s people. The world doesn’t understand that God’s commands lead to blessing. Most people think that God’s commands will stifle you, that they will restrict your choices or ruin your fun. But God’s commands do just the opposite. They free you; they guide you in your choices; they lead you in paths of joy and peace.

I love what Psalm 19 says about God’s commands:

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11)

Righteousness is not a burden. It is living in tune with your Creator! It is living the most wonderful, abundant life you can imagine! I love how the psalmist says it in Psalm 119: “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32)

Moses rejoiced in the revelation of God to his people Israel: “What other nation is so great as to have righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws?” And once again the answer is “None!” We read in Psalm 147: “He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD.” (Psalm 147:19-20) As God’s people we should treasure God’s word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (Psalm 119:105) God’s laws are righteous; God’s laws are just; God’s laws alone can guide you safely through life.

Psalm 1 says this: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

This then is the third sign of true greatness – having a body of laws to guide you in the right way. God’s word is perfect; God’s word is complete; God’s word is righteous and just. What other nation could make such a boast?

CONCLUSION: So, in closing today, let me ask you a question. Have you been envious of the world lately? Have you bought into a false system of greatness that leaves you discontent with your own Christian walk and life? The enemy would love nothing more than to deceive you and drag you down in this way. Don’t let him do it!

Parents, how about your children? Do you desire true greatness for them? Or have you been settling for the greatness of the world? In the very next verses in our text (9 and 10), Moses urged the people to pass these things on to their children. You can only pass it on if it is real in your own life. Are you seeking true greatness for yourself and for your children – or a cheap imitation?

Charles Mackintosh was a preacher in Ireland in the 1800’s. I would like to end with this quote from him in reference to these verses. Mackintosh writes:

“Here is true moral greatness, at all times and in all places, for a nation, for a people, for a household, or for an individual. To have the living God nigh unto us; to have the sweet privilege of calling upon Him, in all things; to have His power and mercy ever exercised toward us; to have the light of His blessed countenance shining approvingly upon us, in all our ways; to have the moral effect of His righteous statutes and holy commandments seen in our practical career, from day to day; to have Him manifesting Himself to us, and making His abode with us.

“What human language can adequately set forth the deep blessedness of such privileges as these? And yet they are placed, by infinite grace, within the reach of every child of God on the face of the earth.”

Why envy the world for its pitiful little trophies? Walk God’s path of greatness instead. 1) Gain a reputation for godly wisdom and understanding. 2) Rejoice in the God who is near you whenever you pray. 3) Thank God for his word to guide you and help you.

The army may be looking for a few good men – but God is looking for great men and women. He is looking for a great church that will reach this world for Christ. As Paul wrote to the Philippians: “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:7-8) Now that’s true greatness.

© Ray Fowler

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